Maya Ellison
Removing diesel fuel from plastic containers can be challenging, and it is often recommended to simply purchase a new container. However, there are some methods that can be used to clean and remove diesel from plastic containers. One suggestion is to use a steam cleaner after washing the container with washing-up liquid. Coca-Cola is also mentioned as a good remover of diesel stains and smells, and one source suggests spreading baking soda and then pouring Coca-Cola to remove diesel from the bare metal of a truck bed. Another method is to use a solvent such as mineral spirits or acetone, which will dissolve any residual diesel in the tank. It is important to note that acetone may attack PVC, so it should not be used on plastic tanks made from this material. Additionally, some sources recommend removing the tank and power washing it or using a Vacula suction device to remove the diesel crud.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Hot soapy water, gunk, de-greaser, petrol, steam cleaner, washing-up liquid, Coca-Cola, baking soda, parts degreaser, gas, metal prep wax and grease remover |
| Cleaning tools | Power washer, stiff-bristled brush |
| Other methods | Cutting an access hole, using a Vacula suction device, pouring in clean diesel fuel, mineral spirits or acetone |
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What You'll Learn
Using Coke to remove diesel stains and smells
While some sources suggest using hot soapy water, gunk, or another degreaser to clean plastic containers that have held diesel, others recommend using Coke to remove diesel stains and smells.
- Fill the container with Coke and let it sit for a few hours.
- Pour out the Coke and rinse the container thoroughly with clean water.
- If the container is still dirty, use a brush or cloth to scrub away any remaining stains or smells.
- Rinse the container again with clean water to remove any residual Coke or diesel.
Alternatively, if you are trying to remove diesel stains and smells from clothing, you can try the following:
- Fill a tub with warm water and add a degreaser such as dishwasher soap.
- Place the clothing in the tub and let it soak for approximately two hours.
- Rinse the clothing with clean water.
- Refill the tub with clean water, add a 2-liter bottle of Coke, and an entire box of baking soda.
- Soak the clothes in the mixture for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for heavy-duty stains and odors.
- Wash the clothes as usual.
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Cleaning with hot water and detergent
To clean a plastic container that previously held diesel fuel, hot water and detergent can be used. This method may not be the most effective, as diesel can leave behind “nasty things” that cause fuel viruses, and it may be difficult to completely get rid of the diesel smell. However, if you would like to try this method, here is a step-by-step guide:
- Drain all diesel fuel from the container.
- Rinse the container with hot water.
- Add a mild detergent to the hot water.
- Use a brush to loosen any debris or gunk from the sides and bottom of the container.
- Swish the water and detergent mixture around to capture all debris.
- Dump the dirty water into a pan, being careful to capture any liquids.
- Wipe the container with a lint-free washcloth.
- Rinse the container thoroughly with hot water to ensure all detergent residue is removed.
- Dry the container completely with compressed air or by letting it air dry.
If the diesel smell persists, you may need to try a different cleaning method or purchase a new container. Additionally, if you intend to use the container for drinking water, it is not recommended to use a plastic container that previously held diesel fuel, as the water may absorb some of the diesel residue or smell.
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Power washing the container
Power washing is an effective way to remove diesel fuel from plastic containers. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Firstly, ensure you have the appropriate safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a respirator. Diesel fuel can be hazardous, so adequate protection is crucial.
Begin by preparing the power washer by connecting it to a water source and selecting the appropriate nozzle. Choose a nozzle with a wide spray angle to start, as this will help cover a larger area initially. Adjust the pressure setting to a lower or medium level to avoid damaging the plastic container.
Direct the power washer spray towards the inside of the container, focusing on the areas where diesel residue is present. Maintain a safe distance from the container and keep the spray pattern consistent to ensure even cleaning. You may need to use an extension wand or a longer hose to reach the bottom of the container effectively.
As you power wash, the diesel fuel and contaminants should be washed away. Ensure that you have a safe and environmentally friendly method of disposing of the runoff. Collect the wastewater in a designated container or direct it towards a drain designed for such purposes.
After the initial wash, inspect the container for any remaining diesel residue. If necessary, adjust the nozzle to a narrower spray pattern and increase the pressure setting to target stubborn areas more intensively. Be cautious when increasing pressure, as high-pressure water streams can damage the plastic if not controlled properly.
Finally, once you have thoroughly power-washed the container, rinse it with fresh water to eliminate any remaining detergent or diesel residue. Ensure that the container is completely dry before reusing it or storing it away.
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Using a Vacula suction device to remove residue
It is challenging to clean a plastic container that has had diesel in it and use it for a different purpose. While hot soapy water can be used to clean the container, it may not remove all the contaminants. One suggestion is to use a de-greaser or a product like Coke to remove diesel stains and smells. Another option is to use a steam cleaner after washing the container with washing-up liquid.
If you want to use a Vacula suction device to remove the diesel residue, here is a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Vacula Suction Device: Ensure you have the correct vacuum suction cup for your specific application. The Vacula 12-018-7102 Suction-Fill Gun is a popular option.
- Switch to Container Mode: Toggle the switch on your vacuum sealer to change it to container mode. This setting optimises the machine's performance for your task.
- Attach the Hose Connector: Connect the hose connector on the suction device to the vacuum sealer. Ensure a secure connection to facilitate effective air removal.
- Apply the Suction Device: Gently hold the suction device against the valve of your plastic container. Ensure a proper seal to create a vacuum.
- Extract the Air: Activate the vacuum sealer to initiate the air extraction process. The suction device will draw out the air from the container, along with any diesel vapours or residue.
- Reach the Desired Vacuum Level: Continue the vacuuming process until you achieve the desired level of vacuum or residue removal. Adjust the settings as needed to ensure thorough residue extraction.
- Remove the Device: Once you've reached your desired level, first loosen the hose connection from the vacuum sealer. Then, gently lift the suction device away from the container's valve.
- Clean the Container: After removing the diesel residue, thoroughly clean the container with hot water and detergent to eliminate any remaining traces of diesel. Ensure to rinse the container multiple times to prevent any soap residue as well.
By following these steps and utilising the Vacula suction device, you can effectively remove diesel fuel residue from plastic containers. Remember to adapt the steps according to your specific Vacula model and always prioritise safety when working with diesel and plastic containers.
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Cleaning with dish soap and water
To clean a plastic container that had diesel fuel in it, you can use dish soap and water. This method is effective at removing grease and oil, including diesel fuel.
First, pour some dish soap into the container. The amount of soap you use is up to your discretion—you can always add more if needed. Then, fill the container halfway with hot water. If you'd like, you can also add some material to the solution, such as screws or gravel. Seal the container and shake it firmly. The duration of shaking is up to you.
After shaking, dump the solution from the container to remove any dirt, grime, oil, or other materials that may have come loose. You may need to repeat this step to achieve the desired results. Next, fill the container with water and shake it again to rinse out any remaining soap. Dump the contents and repeat this step until all soap residue is removed. Finally, open the vent cap and pour water through the spout to clean the filter.
Alternatively, you can try "blasting" the container with soap and hosed water until it is clean. Then, air-dry the container.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a solvent to remove diesel from a plastic container. Clean diesel fuel can be used as a solvent, or you can opt for mineral spirits or acetone for a stronger option. Before using acetone, check if it softens the plastic by testing it on a small area outside the tank.
While hot soapy water can be used, it may not effectively remove all contaminants. A degreaser or a specific diesel virus remover might be more suitable.
Coca-Cola is known to be an effective remover of diesel stains and smells. You can also try using baking soda to absorb the diesel, followed by Coca-Cola to wash away any remaining residue.
If you can remove the tank, power washing is an option. However, be cautious as poly does not adhere well to many sealants, and the tank's surface may be irregular. Another method is to use a Vacula suction device to remove the diesel and any crud from the bottom of the tank.
Yes, it is important to monitor the health of your fuel filter. Additionally, if you plan to use acetone, be aware that it can attack PVC, so it should not be used inside a PVC plastic tank.
